Man accused of false imprisonment and rape of woman in Laois

A man appeared in court accused of the rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment of a woman in Laois.

The man (37), who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have committed the offences at an address in Laois on January 26, 2023. He is accused of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of false imprisonment.  

He appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court where a Garda Detective gave evidence of charging the accused. 

“To all charges he replied the same, ‘no comment’,” the Detective said. He said bail conditions had been agreed and he requested a six week remand for service of the book of evidence. 

“The DPP have directed trial on indictment to the Central Criminal Court,” he said. 

Judge Andrew Cody remanded the defendant on bail to Portlaoise District Court on July 21 for service of a book of evidence.

Andrew Dunne BL acting for solicitor Phelim O’Neill, requested reporting restrictions in the case and asked about legal aid. He said his client was suspended from work. 

Judge Cody said reporting restrictions were in place and he told Mr Dunne to renew the legal aid application in six weeks time.